You don’t have to wear a uniform to be the first line of interaction between the police and the public.

Lola Dunn, records technician for the Kinston Department of Public Safety, handles a number of duties with her job — one of which is being the person on point when people arrive at the police station on East King Street.

“When you walk in the front door, I’m the first one they see,” Dunn said. “Basically, I take care of the traffic that comes in off the street, complaints that we have over the phone — I take care of that, also.”

Dunn also works K-100 communications through the phones, but especially enjoys being able to help people.

“I like serving the people — especially when they have complaints and I can help them out,” Dunn said. “It’s basically about serving the people and helping them.”

Dunn is celebrating her ninth year with KDPS, after joining up in 2005. She said a factor that led to applying for the position was the respect that comes with being part of the squad at the station.

One of the things that stands out for her about the job is being thanked when she’d otherwise not be expecting it.

“The main thing that stands out to me is when a person lets me know — they’re thanking me for being helpful, at the time when they come here,” Dunn said. “I’m not trying to put it back on me, but you’re here to be helped, and you thank me for being nice, and I’m just doing my job.”

Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.